Corfu Island is a very special one.
Unlike the Cyclads, it is very green thanks to rainy winters.
Wikipedia says :
Corfu (592 km2) is the northernmost island of the Ionian Islands (2 307 km2), which also includes Cephalonia, Kythera, Ithaca, Lefkada, Paxos and Zakynthos.
This rosary, which follows the pattern of the continental relief, is pleated and chopped with gigantic faults born in the Tertiary.
Hence the strange beauty of the rocks that plunge right into the sea and the presence of the chasms of Argostoli where the waves rush.
Corfu is 58 km long and 27 km at the widest point.
The island, mostly bordered by the Ionian Sea, is also bathed by the Adriatic Sea on its northern coastline.
The Venitian, French and British inluences
Around 590 BC AD is erected the temple of Artemis, of which few vestiges remain in the ancient Corcyra. The city of Corfu is the first Greek city subjected by the Roman Empire in 229 BC.
AD Corfu is part of the Republic of Venice from 1204 to 1210 and from 1386 to 1797
In 1716 the city was besieged by the Ottoman troops, but, defended by Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg, she did not surrender.
In 1797, Corfu became the capital of the French department of Corcyre and two years later, the Republic of the Seven Islands under Russian protectorate.
She becomes French again from 1807 to 1814.
In 1815, Corfu became the capital of the Republic of the Ionian Islands under British protectorate.
In 1864 the island of Corfu is attached to Greece. In 2011, the city became the capital of the periphery of the Ionian Islands.
Historic summary found in Wikipedia.
You will be surprised to find all the influences in the heart of Corfu City. Starting with the Venitians, the city has been transformed a lot by the French. And particularly, they added theses arcades, following the model of the ones Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
Corfu's Citadel Corfu, the largest Ionian Island
Corfu is, with its 590 km², the largest island in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. Bordered by the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, it is both Greek and cosmopolitan. Her Greek name, Kerkyra, comes from a woman named Corcyra, whose name Poseidon was in love with and decided to flee to on the island, thus leaving her name. It is also in Corfu that Hercules conceived his son Hyllus before going to realize his works. Over the centuries, the island has attracted sailors, traders, artists, seduced by its beauty and strategic location, between Italy and Albania. For such is the magic of Corfu: this Mediterranean island is rich with multiple cultural influences and, above all, landscapes of breathtaking splendor.
More here : https://www.routard.com/reportages-de-voyage/cid136120-grece-corfou-un-paradis-en-mer-ionienne.html
Museums & curiosities
Corfu is a very rich island, where you’ll find many beautiful museums & curiosities.
he activities in Corfu are infinite : sailing and golf are amongst the most popular. But you’ll be able to chill, club, walk (the Corfu trail is very nice). And also snorkel, windsurf, visit museums, and so much more. You’ll need to come back to MaisonRose to test everything !
Find more here (thanks Tripadvisor !).
Corfu is a wonderful place to sail around. The marina of Gouvia is very well known. If you feel to visit Praxos which is a beautiful little island, with or without a skipper, you’ll enjoy your trip.
The Kaiser Thron
Between 1908 and the first world war, Kaiser Wilhelm II spent his summers at Achillion Palace.
Bbut his favorite location was the village of Pelekas where he wanted to build the Achillion palace in the first place.
The Achillion
The Achillion Palace is located in the picturesque village of Gastouri. This magnificent Palace was built in 1890 for Elizabeth (Sissy)- the former Empress of Austria.
More informations here : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilleion
The mythologic statues in the Achilleon
The garden is really amazing. As Sissy was interested in ancient Greek legends and mythology, she dedicated the palace to Achille.
Nice restaurants
Corfu is not only a beautiful island, not only a place where people are so welcoming. It is also a dream for those who love gastronomy ! Here are 3 of the nice restaurants present on the island.
The Venetian Well, excellent !
La Cuccina, excellent as well !
Right in Pelekas, The Pink Panther, succulent italian food, amazing view !
Easy access to Corfu
In season, around 40 flights a day, coming from all around Europe, at very low prices.
The airport is conveniently located at the right south of Corfu City, that is only 15′ from MaisonRose, and on the opposite coast. That means the confort without the noise !
More informations here.
Boats from Athens
Every day, many ferries come from Greece and from Italy to Corfu (Kerkira).
Sailboats
Several boat renters like Click & Boat, will provide you with the sailboat or motorboat you need.
It will be for you the opportunity to discover Corfu from the sea, and it’s a paradise !
The airport
The Corfu airport is active all year long